Build Momentum
Gain support for facility funding using the matrix
By Ryan Moore
If your camp is like most camps, there isn’t enough money to go around for all of the facility and maintenance projects. On top of that, donor support is needed to accomplish both repairs and upgrades, which means you need buy-in for projects. Here are three key factors that have helped leverage donor relationships into funding all of our maintenance and facility needs.
Photo: © Can Stock Photo / zerbor
1. Follow The Matrix
Our board called this, “Do what we can.” We utilize the popular impact-versus-cost matrix for decision-making. Put simply, since we don’t have unlimited funds, we’re always trying to decide which projects to prioritize, given the constraints of time, money, and labor. This matrix has helped immensely when trying to chart a course in using limited resources.
It is important to note that safety items are always first on the list. Then each project is placed somewhere on this matrix. Items in green go first. Not only do they achieve the best cost-to-impact efficiency, but they also bring the most attention from campers and guests. Occasionally, there will be some disagreement, and that’s fine. There is also some ambiguity in the words “impact” and “cost”—and that’s by design. Cost is not necessarily about raw dollars and cents, and impact isn’t necessarily the return on investment. In whatever way you plot projects on the matrix, the green area will generate the most buzz among users. This is the first key factor: do what you can with what you have to get people talking. This develops momentum that will flow through the next couple of tips.
2. Tell Your Story
As camp people, many of us are great storytellers. We can speak to the impact our programs have on people of all ages, and we can speak to the importance of organizations in our communities. We can use that skill with maintenance and facilities, too! Use recent projects as characters in your stories of camp. Talk about the impact of facility improvement on campers and guests. Our facilities are an incredible tool that we can use to achieve our mission, but sometimes they get left out as characters in our story. Even more importantly, remember to note donor support in helping fund the repairs or improvements. Here’s where that momentum from the first key factor comes back into play. After doing what you can with what you have to start the momentum, tell the story about the impact it has had in order to increase that momentum. Donors want to be a part of your success; they want to be on the winning team. Remember to tell the story about how your facilities and maintenance projects are doing just that.
Photo: © Can Stock Photo / sframe
3. When It’s Time, Ask
Once you’ve developed momentum, and people in the camp’s circle are starting to feel it, invite them to be a part of it. Have a list of upcoming projects (plotted on the matrix, preferably) ready to go. There are two different asks. First, ask people for their opinion. People who love your camp (campers, parents, guest group leaders, and churches, if you’re a religious group) likely have thoughts. Solicit those thoughts. Then share your own. These conversations serve to cement the relationship. Second, ask for funding. Shockingly, one of the main reasons people don’t give money is because they aren’t asked. Don’t make that mistake. You just need to ask for help to make those dreams a reality.
There is an incredible amount of subjectivity in this process. Sometimes it’s messy. But these are the few key steps we took to move from deferred maintenance troubles to long-term health. Hopefully, they’ll help you do the same.
Ryan Moore is the Executive Director of NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center located in Pleasantville, Tenn. He’s been a professional in the industry for 10 years, with experience at various camps across the country. In addition to his current role, he also works with Kaleidoscope Consulting. Reach him at director@nacome.org.